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Chapter 30: Different Classes, Two Worlds

What a great man! His noble character shone like a gemstone.

He was an outsider, forcibly summoned to the Heavenly Continent. Whether this world lived or died shouldn’t matter to him.

Yet, the Hero didn’t rest, didn’t seek pleasure. Upon arriving in this world, he immediately exhausted himself, locating the Demons lurking within the city. Despite his fatigue, he insisted on personally confronting these Demons on the front lines.

What kind of spirit was this?

Everyone’s eyes reddened, some even discreetly wiping away tears.

Angelica and Lena Martithes were especially worried.

Super-tier Abilities, while powerful, seemed to take a heavy toll on the Hero. He could barely stand, his legs trembling, his body clearly drained.

He needed rest.

“Master, please rest for a while,” Angelica pleaded, unable to bear the sight of his exhaustion.

Lena Martithes nodded vigorously, her respect for the Hero growing with each passing moment.

He truly was a good man.

“Leave the Demons to us,” she said, her hand gripping her greatsword. “Just tell us where those filthy creatures are hiding.”

Lena Martithes’s greatest joy was cleaving the ugly bodies of Demons in two with her greatsword.

“Even if I tell you where they are, there are many people there. How will you know which ones are Demons? I must go myself,” Qin Chu said resolutely.

Of course, he had to go personally. He was planning to devour their power.

As Qin Chu prepared to depart, Angelica grabbed his arm.

“My Master,” she asked, looking at him, “are you planning to go out dressed like that?”

Qin Chu glanced down at his clothes, confused. He didn’t particularly like this outfit, but what was wrong with it?

“Is there a problem?”

“You can’t wear the same outfit twice,” Angelica said, her hand covering her forehead in exasperation.

“Even ordinary nobles never wear the same outfit twice in public or for formal occasions, let alone you, the Hero, a being more esteemed than any noble.”

“People will mock you if you wear this again.”

Qin Chu’s body trembled slightly. What kind of ridiculous rule was that?

In his previous life, he hadn’t had a maid.

Loseweisse and the others had never mentioned this rule, so he often wore the same outfit for days.

Now, looking back, he realized they must have ridiculed him behind his back. They probably called him a country bumpkin.

Damn them!

…

Even during the day, the slums remained shrouded in a gloomy darkness, the hazy sunlight obscured by polluted air. The air itself felt heavy, filled with dust.

It was September, autumn had arrived, but the Heavenly Continent was located in the southern hemisphere. Even in thin clothing, the weather was pleasantly warm.

Sewage flowed freely through the uneven streets, garbage piled haphazardly, emitting a pungent stench.

A fisherman, his back bent with age, his face etched with the hardships of life, returned from the nearby sea, his voice hoarse as he hawked his freshly caught fish. The air was thick with the smell of the sea, mingled with the stench of poverty. He had to turn these fish into Mana, to pay for his son’s schooling.

A hunter, his arm wrapped in a dirty, blood-soaked bandage, sat beside a few rabbits and pheasants.

Venturing outside the city was dangerous, especially with the Demon Beast threat. Every hunting trip was a gamble, a risk he had to take to survive.

“Freshly baked rye bread! One to fill your belly, two to make you burst! Only one and a half Gri each…”

“Flatbreads! Flatbreads for sale…”

“Crisp pears! Fresh, juicy pears…”

“Potatoes, pumpkins, fresh cabbage…”

“Hey, mister, two Gri per pound is already cheap! You’re cutting the price in half? That’s not cutting it in half, that’s cutting it to the bone…”

This was the marketplace, a bustling hub of activity where vendors hawked their wares, their voices competing with the constant haggling of customers.

Qin Chu did some quick calculations. What idiot had set the exchange rate? One Mana equaled sixty-six Gri.

At this rate, the goods sold here were incredibly cheap.

A head-sized rye bread, one was enough to fill even the hungriest stomach. Even for the miners who toiled in the depths of the earth, two loaves would suffice for a day’s worth of food.

It was whole wheat bread, dark and coarse, with visible traces of bran and chaff. On Earth, it would be considered healthy, nutritious, high in fiber, and sold at exorbitant prices.

Here, it was a cheap, filling staple, its taste an acquired one. It was rough on the throat, like swallowing thorns and knives.

Even the nobles’ pets wouldn’t touch it.

A single pastry enjoyed by the nobles, costing ten Mana, could buy almost five hundred rye breads, enough to feed a miner for several months.

The outfit Qin Chu had worn, the one he could only wear once, cost over a thousand Mana.

The class divide in this world was stark, two distinct worlds separated by an unbridgeable chasm.

In reality, the commoners’ lives had improved slightly. Things had been even worse before.

The nobles’ ruthless exploitation had made the commoners’ lives unbearable. Almost all their hard-earned income was seized as taxes, filling the coffers of the empire and the aristocracy.

Coupled with the constant threat of Demon Beast attacks, it was a living hell.

Though most commoners were numb to their plight, a few brave souls, driven to desperation, had begun to resist, uniting their fellow sufferers in rebellion.

To quell the unrest, and to replenish the ranks of soldiers decimated by the Demon Beast hordes, the empire had slightly reduced taxes, offering a meager concession to appease the commoners.

Qin Chu’s presence was a novelty. Knights rarely ventured into the slums. The people here didn’t recognize him as the Hero.

Lena Martithes and Angelica flanked him, their eyes scanning the crowd, their vigilance unwavering. In this chaotic environment, anyone could be a Demon in disguise.

Qin Chu, his nostrils assaulted by the mingled scents of the marketplace, walked towards a fruit stall piled high with watermelons. A short, stout man with a pockmarked face sat behind the stall, his skin rough and weathered.

“Hey, mister, how much are these watermelons?” Qin Chu asked.

The vendor looked up, his eyes cloudy with age. “Two Gri each…”

Qin Chu almost blurted out, “What? Are these watermelons made of gold?” He restrained himself. Two Gri each was ridiculously cheap.

He had been ready to find fault, to haggle, but the price had disarmed him.

He sighed, then placed a hand on the vendor’s shoulder.

“Sir, what are you doing?”

The vendor eyed him suspiciously. He didn’t know Qin Chu’s identity, but his expensive clothes and the retinue of knights flanking him clearly marked him as a noble.

A noble in the slums was strange enough. Now this noble was placing a hand on his shoulder. He had no idea what he had done wrong. He cowered slightly, feigning fear.

“Don’t pretend, Demon. I can see through your disguise. Reveal your true form…”

In the next instant, he activated Devourer. Invisible energy enveloped the vendor.

As Qin Chu’s power increased, so did the potency of Devourer. The vendor felt his Mana draining away, like a dam bursting its floodgates.

He struggled, but Qin Chu’s hand was like a vise, impossible to break free from.

His face contorted in horror, his voice a panicked shriek. “Help! Murder! He’s killing me!”

This was a clever Demon.

“A noble is murdering someone in broad daylight…”

Chapter 29: The Big-Hearted Sister 

His words, delivered with passionate conviction, were met with confused stares from the guards.

His intentions were noble, of course, but he was newly summoned, untrained, his magical and martial skills nonexistent. To face the Demon Beasts in his current state would be suicide.

Only Lena Martithes, despite her delicate name, was moved by his speech. Her heart, as fiery as her namesake, swelled with admiration. She pounded her fist against her chest three times, the metal gauntlets striking her breastplate with a resounding clang.

“Hero!” she exclaimed, her voice booming with enthusiasm. “Your spirit is noble, your heart pure, your soul filled with compassion! I, Lena Martithes, pledge my sword to your cause! I will follow you into battle, I will fight by your side, I will cleanse this land of the Demon scourge!”

“Let us depart at once!” she declared, her eyes blazing with righteous fury. “I know of a Demon encampment, seventy thousand strong! I will lead you to victory!”

Seventy thousand Demons?

Qin Chu’s jaw dropped. She couldn’t be serious.

He wanted to kill Demons, to absorb their power, to grow stronger. But he wasn’t suicidal.

Lena, her heart overflowing with gratitude for this selfless, dedicated Hero, was ready to charge into battle, to storm the Demon King’s castle, to single-handedly bring peace to the Heavenly Continent.

Her enthusiasm, her unwavering belief in his abilities, was both endearing and terrifying.

Fortunately, her subordinates, though clearly sharing her admiration for the Hero, possessed a greater degree of common sense.

They rushed forward, grabbing her arms, restraining her before she could drag the Hero to his doom.

“Captain, please reconsider,” one of them pleaded.

“Calm down, Captain. The Hero might possess two Super-tier Abilities, but he’s still new to our world. To face seventy thousand Demons now… it’s suicide!”

Lena glared at them, her voice firm. “I, a knight, have sworn to protect the Hero. I will not fail him.”

“Captain, with all due respect,” another guard said, his voice laced with exasperation, “you can’t possibly defeat seventy thousand Demons on your own. Even if they were all low-level Slimes, you’d be overwhelmed.”

Lena’s face flushed.

She hadn’t thought of that. Seventy thousand Demons… that was… a lot.

The fire in her eyes dimmed, replaced by a sheepish embarrassment.

“Well,” she mumbled, her voice losing its usual confidence. “Perhaps… we should… reconsider our strategy.”

She had boasted about leading him to victory, and now she had to back down. The shame was almost unbearable.

She worried that her change of heart might discourage the Hero.

“Perhaps… you could… familiarize yourself with the Heavenly Continent’s… combat techniques?” she suggested, her voice hesitant. “I could teach you my Explosive Flame Battle Qi…”

The other guards groaned, exchanging weary glances.

Lena’s heart was in the right place, but her impulsiveness, her lack of foresight, often led to… complications.

“Captain,” one of them said gently, “the Hero Squad will be training the Hero. They possess far superior techniques. Explosive Flame Battle Qi is… inadequate.”

“Besides, teaching him without authorization would be a breach of protocol, a direct challenge to their authority. You could be punished.”

Explosive Flame Battle Qi was a mid-tier technique, a pale imitation of the advanced methods wielded by the Hero Squad.

Lena knew this, but she still felt a surge of resentment.

“Those stuffy old fools!” she muttered under her breath. “Who knows when the Hero Squad will arrive? Is the Hero supposed to sit around twiddling his thumbs while people die?”

To her, their inaction was criminal.

Every day, countless lives were lost to the Demon Beasts, yet the so-called leaders seemed unconcerned, their priorities focused on maintaining their power, their prestige.

“Bah! The Hero Squad! A bunch of self-serving glory hounds! They’re just afraid of losing their influence, their control over the Hero.”

Her subordinates paled, their faces reflecting their growing alarm. The vice-captain, his expression thunderous, stepped forward, his voice sharp and commanding. “Lena, enough! Control yourself! You are speaking out of turn!”

Lena flinched, her gaze dropping to the floor.

She was the captain, the vice-captain her subordinate, but his anger was a force to be reckoned with.

She understood, of course, that criticizing the Hero Squad was a breach of protocol, a transgression that could have serious consequences.

But she couldn’t help herself.

She was, as always, too honest, too outspoken for her own good.

Qin Chu, however, found her endearing. In this world of deceit and manipulation, her genuine, if somewhat misguided, enthusiasm was a refreshing change.

He remembered those who had wronged him, their betrayals etched into his memory.

But he also remembered those who had shown him kindness, their actions a beacon of warmth in a cold and unforgiving world.

Lena was one of them.

In his previous life, she had been one of his guards, alternating shifts with Nikles, their dedication unwavering.

The death of her younger brother at the hands of the Demon Beasts had fueled her hatred for them, her anger at the inaction of the ruling class.

But she had never wavered in her duty, protecting him, risking her own life to ensure his safety.

When he had despaired, his spirit crushed by the horrors he had witnessed, the lives he had been unable to save, it was Lena who had comforted him, her embrace strong and reassuring, her words blunt yet kind, “You can’t save them all, Hero. But you can save more. Don’t give up.”

Her words had rekindled his hope, his determination.

And when he had become a target, his very existence deemed a threat to those in power, it was Lena who had shielded him, her body a barrier between him and the assassins, her armor shattered, her blood staining the ground.

She had fought until every last assassin was dead, her greatsword the only thing keeping her upright.

She had died in his arms, her final regret that she hadn’t lived to see the Heavenly Continent at peace, her family’s Explosive Flame Battle Qi dying with her.

She had only been with him for six months, but he would never forget her.

This world wasn’t completely devoid of warmth, of kindness. But those flickering embers were easily extinguished by the overwhelming cold, the pervasive darkness.

He planned to eliminate the current members of the Hero Squad. Their positions would need to be filled.

Perhaps, he thought, Lena could be one of his new… champions.

He smiled at her, his expression soft and appreciative.

The vice-captain, misinterpreting his smile, panicked. He grabbed Lena’s shoulder, forcing her to bow her head. “Hero,” he said, his voice laced with desperation, “Captain Martithes spoke out of turn. She meant no disrespect to the Hero Squad. Please, forgive her transgression.”

The guards’ fear, their frantic attempts to appease him, made Qin Chu chuckle. “Relax,” he said, his voice reassuring. “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear anything.”

The guards sighed with relief.

To be caught criticizing the Hero Squad… the consequences would be dire.

“While I might not be ready to face seventy thousand Demons,” Qin Chu continued, his gaze sweeping across their faces, “dealing with a few… rats within the city should be manageable.”

The guards’ eyes widened. The Hero had been attacked at the banquet. Did he mean… there were more Demon assassins lurking within the city? And he could find them?

Qin Chu smiled, offering no further explanation. He ate the food Angelica had prepared, then sat cross-legged on the floor, closing his eyes.

“Shaye,” he said mentally, “wake me up in two hours.”

He was exhausted. He hadn’t had a moment’s rest since his rebirth.

The guards, unsure of what he was doing, watched him in silence, forming a protective circle around him.

Two hours passed. The Hero remained motionless, his breathing slow and even, as if asleep.

But they knew he wasn’t sleeping. He was using his mysterious Super-tier Ability to sense the hidden Demons.

Two hours later, Shaye’s shriek, echoing in his mind, jolted him awake.

He stood abruptly, his legs wobbling, his balance unsteady.

He swayed, almost falling, but Angelica and Lena, their reactions swift, caught him before he could embarrass himself.

He had fallen asleep sitting cross-legged. His legs were numb.

“Ugh…” he groaned, his muscles protesting as he forced them to move. “I’ve located a group of Demons hiding within the city,” he announced, his voice strained. “We must eliminate them… at once!”

The guards stared at him, their eyes filled with a mixture of awe and concern.

What a dedicated Hero!

His pale face, his trembling legs, his labored breathing… he was clearly exhausted.

Yet, his only concern was the safety of the city, the elimination of the Demon threat.

He was truly extraordinary.

 

 

Chapter 28: Master Hero

In such a short time…

From gratitude…

To burgeoning affection…

To complete and utter devotion!

Angelica had fallen hard, her heart ensnared by Qin Chu’s carefully crafted words and actions.

“I won’t allow anyone to hurt you again. If they try… I will be there.”

His promise, his vow of protection, echoed in her mind, a soothing balm to her wounded soul.

He was her everything now, her savior, her protector, the only one who truly understood her, who saw her, not as a broken, scarred creature, but as a person worthy of love and respect.

The Church, the Holy Maiden… it all seemed insignificant now.

She would live for him, serve him, obey him.

Her sobs, a release of years of pent-up pain and fear, filled the room, her tears soaking Qin Chu’s shirt.

Outside, the guards exchanged confused glances.

The men, their expressions a mixture of admiration and envy, marveled at the Hero’s… stamina.

The lone female guard, her cheeks flushed, muttered under her breath, “Shameless creatures.”

Qin Chu held Angelica close, gently stroking her hair, his movements tender, his expression… cold.

He believed her, believed in the sincerity of her emotions, the depth of her devotion.

But what about tomorrow?

What would happen when she was presented with a better offer, a chance to escape her past, to achieve a higher status?

He ran a finger through her emerald green hair, watching as her sobs subsided, her breathing evening out. She had fallen asleep, exhausted in both body and soul.

He gently laid her on the bed, covering her with a blanket, then sat beside her, a stack of papers in his hand.

One page contained a detailed list of every Demon hiding within the capital, courtesy of Candice.

The others were filled with spells, thirty-six Low-tier and seven Intermediate-tier, meticulously copied by Candice.

He had the magical power, but he lacked the tools, the spells, to wield it effectively.

Even Low-tier magic, though weak, could be useful in certain situations.

With his understanding of magic, mastering these spells would be a trivial matter. He would simply add them to his status panel, their incantations etched into his memory.

In his previous life, he had reached a level of mastery where he could cast even High-tier spells without incantations, his magic flowing effortlessly from his fingertips.

Shaye Nigulas, sprawled across his lap, played with a strand of his hair, her expression a mixture of amusement and boredom.

“That poor girl,” she said, her voice laced with mock sympathy. “Seduced by a few sweet words. Shame on you, Hero.”

She understood, of course, why Angelica had fallen so easily. Years of abuse and neglect had left her vulnerable, desperate for kindness, for a glimmer of hope. Qin Chu’s carefully crafted words, his feigned affection, had been the final push, sending her tumbling into the abyss of love.

“Don’t make me sound like some kind of heartless seducer,” Qin Chu retorted, rolling his eyes.

“That wasn’t my intention,” Shaye replied, her voice softening. “She was at her breaking point, Hero. A few more weeks, and she would have either died or succumbed to despair, transforming into a mindless beast.”

“Your methods might be… questionable, but you did save her. That much is undeniable.”

“Consider it a mutually beneficial transaction. A win-win situation.”

Shaye’s assessment was accurate.

In his previous life, Angelica, driven to madness by Loseweisse’s relentless cruelty, had become a monstrous aberration, a tragic victim of their world’s twisted power dynamics.

“She’s devoted to you now,” Shaye continued, her gaze fixed on the sleeping maid. “And her power, once unlocked, could be quite useful. She could be your bodyguard.”

“Her power is sealed,” Qin Chu said, his brow furrowing.

“Not a problem,” Shaye replied, her smile widening. “I’m sure Pope Augustus would be happy to remove the seal. He wouldn’t dare refuse you.”

“True,” Qin Chu said, his eyes narrowing. “But her loyalty… needs to be tested.”

“Tested?” Shaye asked, her brow furrowing. “Why? She’s utterly devoted to you. She would do anything you ask.”

“I need to be sure,” Qin Chu replied, his voice taking on a stubborn tone. “I need to see her choose me, even if it means sacrificing her own life. Only then will I truly trust her.”

He was different now, his previous life’s experiences hardening him, twisting his heart.

He was suspicious, distrustful, his faith in humanity shattered.

He had gone from one extreme to the other.

“How do you plan to test her?” Shaye asked, her curiosity piqued.

“I have a plan,” Qin Chu replied, his expression enigmatic.

Silence descended upon the room.

His previous life’s knowledge, his deep understanding of magic, made learning these Low and Intermediate level spells a trivial matter.

By midday, he had mastered them all, his arsenal expanded, his combat prowess significantly enhanced.

He glanced at the list of Demons hiding within the capital, then stretched, his joints popping.

He opened the door, finding a new set of guards stationed outside. Even the most dedicated soldiers needed rest.

The current captain of the guard was a woman named Lena Martithes.

She was tall, at least 1.8 meters, her muscular frame towering over him. Her build was athletic, her curves toned and defined from years of training.

Her tanned skin glowed with health, her dark hair pulled back in a tight braid.

Her armor, a warrior’s garb, covered her shoulders, chest, hips, thighs, and feet, leaving the rest of her body exposed.

Qin Chu, accustomed to full plate armor, found her attire… distracting. Perhaps it was designed for greater mobility?

He shrugged, dismissing the thought.

“Greetings, Hero,” she said, her voice deep and resonant, her manner forthright.

She noticed he was still wearing yesterday’s clothes and frowned. “Where is Angelica?” she asked, her voice laced with disapproval. “As your maid, she should be attending to you.”

“Angelica is… resting,” Qin Chu replied, waving a hand dismissively. “She’s exhausted. Let her sleep.”

The other guards exchanged knowing glances.

They had heard the rumors, the whispers of the Hero’s… nocturnal activities.

Angelica, it seemed, was a rather… inefficient maid.

A true maid would be by her master’s side, ready to fulfill his every need, regardless of the circumstances.

And the Hero, they thought, was far too indulgent, allowing his maid to sleep in his bed, to share his chambers, even neglecting to wake her when he rose.

He truly was a maid fanatic.

The commotion outside finally roused Angelica from her slumber.

She opened her eyes, her gaze unfocused, her mind still foggy with sleep. She blinked, her surroundings unfamiliar, then the memories of the previous night came flooding back, her cheeks flushing crimson.

It had been… a dream come true.

She had found someone kind, someone who saw her, not as a broken, scarred creature, but as a person worthy of love and respect.

Her physical and emotional exhaustion had receded, her aches and pains dulled by a night of restful sleep. Even her scars seemed to have faded slightly.

And then she realized, with a jolt of panic, that he wasn’t in bed beside her. She had overslept, her duties neglected, her master left unattended.

She mentally cursed her laziness, scrambling out of bed, her movements frantic as she straightened her uniform, gathered the invitations from the desk, and rushed out the door.

“I apologize, Master,” she said, her cheeks burning with shame as she met Lena Martithes’s disapproving gaze.

Qin Chu, however, seemed unconcerned. He patted her head, his touch gentle. “It’s alright, Angelica. You were tired. Why didn’t you sleep longer?” He glanced at the stack of invitations in her arms. “What’s that?” he asked, feigning ignorance.

“Invitations, Master,” she replied, her voice regaining its usual formality. “One hundred and twelve in total.”

“Thirty-six are for tea parties hosted by various noblewomen. Twenty-seven are from noblewomen who wish to… meet with you privately…”

Qin Chu’s jaw dropped. Twenty-seven married women? Requesting private meetings? Were they trying to cuckold their husbands?

He knew this world was… liberal, but this was still shocking.

“Master, which invitations would you like to accept?” Angelica asked, her efficiency returning as she shifted back into her maid persona. “And… you haven’t had breakfast… I mean… lunch…”

She was a whirlwind of activity, her energy seemingly boundless.

Qin Chu smiled. “Slow down, Angelica. One thing at a time. Prepare some food for me, and for the guards as well. I’m sure they’re hungry.”

“As for the invitations…” He paused, his expression turning serious. “Ignore them. I won’t be attending any social gatherings.”

“The Heavenly Continent is at war, Angelica. People are dying every day. I can’t afford to waste time on frivolous pursuits.”

His voice rang with righteous indignation, his words a performance designed to solidify his image as a selfless hero.

“I must focus on defeating the Demon Beasts, on bringing peace to this land!”

Chapter 27: What a Noble, Compassionate, Kind Hero 

Qin Chu needed Angelica to believe that her survival, her very existence, depended on him.

He had to be her savior, her only hope in a world that had shown her nothing but cruelty and betrayal.

He had to be her anchor, her sanctuary.

Angelica felt her breath hitch in her throat, her heart pounding against her ribs. His words, his promise of protection, delivered with such a potent blend of strength and tenderness, were impossible to resist.

She was utterly smitten.

Her cheeks burned, her breath quickening as a wave of longing washed over her.

She couldn’t meet his gaze, afraid that her emotions, her overwhelming desire, would betray her.

She lowered her head, her heart racing, her body thrumming with a dangerous, unfamiliar heat.

After a long moment, she finally looked up, her voice trembling slightly. “You knew… about my scars?” she asked, her golden eyes searching his.

Loseweisse, despite her cruelty, was obsessed with her image, her reputation.

She had tortured Angelica relentlessly, but she had avoided leaving marks on her face, her neck, her arms, her legs, any area that might be visible to others. Her cruelty, her sadism, had been focused on the parts of Angelica’s body hidden beneath her maid uniform.

“I saw them the moment we met,” Qin Chu replied, his voice soft and reassuring. “You tried to hide your pain, but it showed in your eyes, in the way you moved.”

Angelica pressed a hand to her heart, her voice choked with emotion. “Is that why you chose me, Master?” she asked, her eyes shining with tears. “You saw my scars, knew my suffering, and you… you saved me? You gave up the Holy Maiden, the princesses, all those beautiful, noble women… for me?”

Qin Chu smiled, his expression enigmatic. He didn’t answer her question, allowing her to draw her own conclusions.

Sometimes, a woman’s imagination was far more persuasive than any words he could utter.

Angelica, her brow furrowed in thought, her heart swelling with gratitude, constructed a narrative that fit her idealized image of him.

He was so kind, so compassionate. He had seen her scars, understood her pain, and had chosen her, despite the potential damage to his reputation, the whispers and judgments of the court.

He had sacrificed his own happiness, his chance to be with a beautiful, high-born woman, to save her, a lowly maid, from a life of misery.

What a noble, selfless, extraordinary man.

Shame washed over her. She had doubted him, believing his interest was purely physical. How could she have been so cynical, so disrespectful?

Her only regret was that his feelings for her weren’t… romantic.

If only he loved her, even a little, if only she could hold a small place in his heart…

No, she thought, pushing down the yearning, the impossible dream. She couldn’t ask for more. He had saved her, given her a chance at a new life. To desire more would be greedy, ungrateful.

But despite his lack of romantic interest, she knew her own heart was lost.

She would earn his love, she would prove her worth, she would show him that she was more than just a maid, more than just a broken, scarred creature.

She clenched her fists, her resolve solidifying. The emotions swirling within her, the gratitude, the admiration, the burgeoning love, were too powerful to contain.

She threw her arms around him, her lips pressing against his in a desperate, yearning kiss.

Propriety, decorum… it all vanished in that moment.

She had to touch him, to taste him, to offer him everything she had.

Qin Chu froze, his mind reeling.

It was his first kiss, his first real kiss. Loseweisse’s medicinal ministrations didn’t count.

The sensation was… unexpected. A ripple of something akin to… desire? … disturbed the carefully constructed walls he had erected around his heart.

He hesitated for a moment, then returned her kiss, his arms encircling her, drawing her closer.

A strange, unfamiliar urge to protect her, to cherish her, flickered within him.

He quickly suppressed it.

He had been fooled before, his trust shattered, his heart broken.

Angelica might be devoted to him now, but what about the future? What if she found someone stronger, someone more reliable? What if she was offered a better deal, a chance to escape her past, to achieve a higher status? Would she betray him, just like the others?

She was a tool, a weapon to be wielded against his enemies. He couldn’t afford to develop… feelings.

The kiss deepened, their bodies pressing closer, her breath quickening, her eyes glazing over with a mixture of passion and adoration.

He could ask her anything, and she would obey.

They finally broke apart, their lungs burning, their bodies trembling.

“Master,” she gasped, her cheeks flushed, her voice husky with desire. “I’ll… I’ll prepare the bed…”

She wanted to finish what she had started, to fulfill her duty.

But Qin Chu stopped her, his hand gently resting on her shoulder. “You need to rest, Angelica,” he said, his voice soft and concerned. “You’re exhausted.”

“And… while I chose you to… ease your suffering, I also… find you… attractive. That part is true.”

His words, unexpected and potent, pierced through her defenses, shattering the fragile composure she had painstakingly rebuilt.

He hadn’t said he loved her, only that he found her… attractive.

But that, somehow, made his words even more believable, more powerful.

For the first time in her life, someone cared for her, someone had rescued her, someone found her… desirable.

Her heart ached, tears blurring her vision. She wanted to cry, to release the pent-up emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.

Qin Chu, sensing her distress, gently cupped her cheek. “It’s alright to cry, Angelica,” he said, his voice a soothing balm to her wounded soul.

Her lips trembled, her throat constricting. To cry in front of her master was a breach of etiquette, a sign of weakness. But she couldn’t help it.

The fear, the pain, the years of suppressed emotions, all came crashing down, overwhelming her carefully constructed defenses.

There had been a time when even crying was forbidden, her tears only eliciting more abuse from Loseweisse.

She had thought she had forgotten how to cry.

But now, the tears flowed freely, cleansing, cathartic, washing away the pain, the fear, the despair.

Qin Chu held her close, his arms a safe haven, his presence a source of comfort and strength.

She loved him, she realized.

It wasn’t gratitude, it wasn’t a desire to please, it wasn’t a desperate hope for a small place in his heart.

It was love.

A love that consumed her, that filled her with a joy and a terror she had never known.

Even if it was unrequited, even if he found someone better, someone worthy of his love, her feelings wouldn’t fade.

She loved him.

The Church, the Holy Maiden… it all seemed insignificant now.

Her body, her heart, her very soul, belonged to him.

Chapter 26: Claiming Angelica

Angelica knew this moment would come, but she hadn’t expected it to arrive so soon. Serving her master was a maid’s duty, of course, but wasn’t the Hero being a little too hasty?

Still, she was a maid, and a maid obeyed her master’s commands without question.

She closed the door softly, the soft click echoing in the silence. The magical lamps cast a warm glow, illuminating the spacious room, her cheeks flushing under their gentle light.

The atmosphere, though seemingly ordinary, felt charged with a strange, intoxicating energy.

She pressed a hand to her chest, her heart pounding against her ribs.

Gratitude for Qin Chu swelled within her.

He might have chosen her for her body, for her maid status, but he had saved her from Loseweisse’s clutches. That fact remained unchanged.

From the moment she had accepted his proposal, she had prepared herself, mentally and physically, to fulfill his every desire.

But now, alone with him in his chambers, a wave of anxiety washed over her.

She had never done this before. The thought was both terrifying and exhilarating.

But there was no escaping her duty. She bit her lip, her gaze darting around the room, then she walked towards the desk, placing the stack of invitations she had been carrying onto its surface.

Work could wait.

For nobles, pleasure always came first. Surely, the Hero would be no different?

Angelica, despite her current status, had been trained as a Holy Maiden candidate. Years of rigorous instruction had instilled in her a deep understanding of etiquette, her movements graceful and refined, her demeanor radiating an aura of purity and grace.

She walked towards Qin Chu, her steps measured, her figure swaying enticingly beneath her maid uniform.

Her cheeks burned, her golden eyes shimmering with a mixture of fear and anticipation.

“Master,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

“I… I apologize. I’m… inexperienced. But I will… I will do my best to please you.”

Qin Chu mentally facepalmed.

Just how warped was this world’s culture?

Inexperience, it seemed, was a source of shame for women. Preposterous.

Angelica, misinterpreting his silence, panicked. She summoned all her courage, her hand reaching out to unfasten her belt.

“I… I’m ready, Master,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

But her fingers, trembling with fear and inexperience, fumbled with the buckle. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

Her distress, her clumsiness, made Qin Chu smile.

He reached out, his rough hand covering hers, stopping her frantic efforts.

She looked up, her gaze meeting his, her eyes widening as she registered the amusement in his expression.

She burst into tears, her body shaking with shame.

Angelica, you useless fool, she thought, berating herself.

You can’t even undress your master properly, and you’re crying like a child.

Would he be disgusted by her incompetence?

If he rejected her, she would be sent back to that living hell, back to Loseweisse’s clutches. No, it would be even worse. Loseweisse, fueled by jealousy and rage, would torture her, break her.

The thought made her shudder.

“Master,” she pleaded, her voice thick with tears. “Please… give me another chance. I’ll… I’ll do better.”

Qin Chu’s smile faded, replaced by a gentle, reassuring expression. “I apologize, Angelica,” he said, his voice soft and kind. “I shouldn’t have laughed. Did I frighten you?”

“You don’t have to do this.”

He was apologizing to her?

His next words, however, sent a chill down her spine, draining the blood from her face.

She didn’t have to do this?

Serving her master was a maid’s duty. What did he mean?

Was he… rejecting her?

No, she thought, her panic intensifying. Please, don’t send me away.

He reached out, his arms encircling her, pulling her into a warm embrace.

Angelica froze, her fear melting away as she leaned against him, his warmth a comforting presence.

But this, she knew, was a privilege she didn’t deserve. She squirmed in his arms, her voice barely a whisper. “Master, this is… inappropriate. I’m just a maid…”

“Shh,” he murmured, his voice soothing. “Don’t move.”

She stilled, but then she felt his hands on her back, his fingers fumbling with the buttons of her dress.

He was undressing her?

She was the maid, wasn’t she? She was supposed to be undressing him.

She was a terrible maid, she thought, berating herself.

And he was making this far too difficult. His touch, his gentleness, was making her heart race, her body thrum with a dangerous, unfamiliar desire.

And then she remembered, her eyes widening in horror as she struggled against his grasp. “No, Master,” she pleaded, her voice frantic. “Please, don’t…”

“Stay still,” he commanded, his voice still gentle, but laced with an undeniable authority.

She wanted to resist, to shield her body from his gaze, but her body, betraying her, obeyed his command.

Her back was bare, the scars, a testament to years of abuse, starkly visible under the lamplight.

Her skin, once smooth and flawless, was a tapestry of bruises, welts, and burns.

Black eyes, split lips, the imprint of a hand…

Whip marks, bite marks…

And on her right side, a grotesque, centipede-like scar, its raised, puckered flesh a testament to a wound inflicted with a dull blade, a slow, agonizing torture.

Angelica closed her eyes, her shame overwhelming her. She had always taken pride in her appearance, her figure, believing it was her only asset, the only reason Qin Chu had chosen her.

But now he would see her, see the truth, the ugliness beneath the maid uniform.

He would be disgusted.

She trembled, her heart clenching with a mixture of fear and despair. She wanted to cover herself, to hide her shame.

“Loseweisse did this, didn’t she?” Qin Chu asked, his voice quiet, his gaze fixed on her scars.

He would claim her, protect her, make her his.

“From this day forward,” he said, his voice slow and deliberate, “you will belong to me. As long as I live, you will never return to that hell.”

“I won’t allow anyone to hurt you again. If they try…”

“I will be there.”

Chapter 25: A Maid’s Duties

The Storm Witch’s territory!

A fragment of Jie Luo’s soul!

He couldn’t hide anything from Shaye.

It was to be expected. She had been the one to reveal this information to him. It was only natural that she would be suspicious of his interest in Benson’s movements.

Qin Chu’s reaction confirmed her suspicions. She floated in front of him, her crimson eyes fixed on his, her voice low and menacing.

“So, your true target isn’t Benson,” she said, her voice laced with barely suppressed anger. “It’s Jie Luo’s soul fragment.”

Qin Chu, his deception exposed, decided to drop the pretense. “I have a dream, Shaye,” he said, his voice taking on a dramatic tone.

“Huh?”

Shaye stared at him, utterly bewildered. Was he serious?

They were discussing matters of life and death, and he was talking about dreams? Was he insane?

“What are you talking about?” she asked, her patience wearing thin.

Qin Chu, disappointed that she didn’t understand his reference, shrugged, his expression earnest. “I dream of a day,” he said, his voice filled with conviction, “when I can hold Jie Luo’s soul fragment in my hand and say to Loseweisse…”

“To Ekaterina…”

“To Athena…”

“To Eileen and Airi…”

“To Sylph…”

“‘You wouldn’t want anything to happen to this, would you?’”

Shaye, though still confused by his reference, understood that it wasn’t meant to be complimentary.

And the names he had listed… all female members of the Hero Squad.

His intentions were clear, his desires… less so.

“You’re planning to use Jie Luo’s soul fragment to blackmail them, aren’t you?” she asked, her voice dripping with disdain. “To force them to… do unspeakable things?”

He winced. Couldn’t she phrase it a little more delicately?

But she was right.

His hatred for the female members of the Hero Squad burned hotter than his anger towards their male counterparts.

Their years of camaraderie, the occasional flirtations, the seemingly innocent touches… it had all been a cruel deception, a game they had played to manipulate him, to keep him under their control.

He had never had a girlfriend before. Their attention, their feigned affection, had been intoxicating, feeding his insecurities, making him believe he was… desirable.

He had even dared to hope that this world, this strange and dangerous land, might be a place where he could finally find love, acceptance.

He remembered Athena, her voluptuous figure pressed against him, her lips whispering in his ear, “Do you like older women, Hero?”

He remembered Ekaterina, drunk and giggling, draped over his shoulder as he carried her back from a tavern, her words slurred, “No one likes me because I’m tall and… bossy. I want to get married, Hero. Will you marry me?”

He remembered Sylph, her gaze intense, her voice husky, during their “accidental” encounter in the forest, “I like strong men, Hero. And you’re the strongest of them all.”

He remembered Eileen and Airi, their arms linked through his, their smiles sweet and innocent, their voices echoing in unison, “We love you, Big Brother Hero.”

He had truly believed he had found a place where he belonged, where he was appreciated, where he could be… happy.

Despite his feelings for Loseweisse, he had protected them, risked his life for them, cared for them.

Now, looking back, he realized they had seen him as a fool, a pathetic plaything.

Everything had been a lie, a carefully constructed illusion.

He would kill Benson without hesitation.

But these women… he would deal with them personally. Death would be too merciful, too quick. It wouldn’t be enough to sate his rage, to quench the fire that burned within him.

Jie Luo’s soul fragment was the perfect tool, a weapon to be wielded against them, to break them, to make them suffer as he had suffered. He would watch them crumble, their hatred and humiliation a feast for his soul, before finally crushing the fragment, extinguishing their last hope.

Their despair, their anguish, would be a masterpiece, a symphony of pain and suffering.

Twisted? Perhaps.

Cruel? Undeniably.

But they had made him this way. They had twisted his heart, poisoned his soul. Now they would reap what they had sown.

“You’re a monster, Qin Chu,” Shaye said, her voice a mixture of amusement and disgust. “I’m beginning to think you were always a Demon at heart.”

She understood his intentions, and a flicker of concern crossed her face. “I won’t stop you from seeking revenge,” she said, her voice softening. “But be warned, Qin Chu. The Witches are not to be trifled with.”

“The Storm Witch, though not the strongest among us, is still a force to be reckoned with. Her power surpasses that of the Hero Squad, perhaps even rivals that of Wadsworth, Augustus, and Monique. Do you truly believe you can steal Jie Luo’s soul fragment from her?”

Her power was beyond his current capabilities.

Confronting her now would be suicide, for both of them.

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” Qin Chu replied, his voice calm and confident. “It will take time for Candice to relay the information, for the Seventh Prince to investigate, to formulate a plan. I will use that time to grow stronger.”

He had a plan, a strategy based on his previous life’s knowledge and his Devourer Ability.

“And don’t worry, Shaye,” he added, his lips curving into a reassuring smile. “I’m not suicidal. If it proves impossible, I’ll retreat. I still have a world to destroy, after all.”

He stretched, his muscles aching from his prolonged stay in bat form.

“It’s getting late,” he said. “We should return.”

He shifted back into a bat, soaring through the night sky, returning to his chambers through the open window.

The illusion on the bed dissipated as he landed, his movements silent and fluid. He rubbed his eyes, ruffled his hair, feigning drowsiness, then opened the door.

Nikles, his vigilance unwavering, snapped to attention. “Hero,” he said, his voice respectful. “Do you require anything?”

“What’s all that noise?” Qin Chu asked, yawning theatrically, his acting skills improving with each performance.

“A number of nobles are requesting an audience, Hero,” Nikles replied, his brow furrowing slightly. “Lady… Angelica is attending to them.”

In this world, maids were little more than servants, their status barely above that of slaves. Their duty was to serve their masters, to fulfill their every whim, no matter how degrading.

Nikles, a proud knight, chafed at the necessity of addressing a mere maid with a respectful title. It felt like a stain on his honor.

“Angelica is here?” Qin Chu’s eyes brightened. “Excellent. Send her in.”

Nikles grinned, his expression knowingly suggestive. The Hero, it seemed, was eager to… indulge his passions.

He hadn’t even waited for Angelica to settle in.

The rumors were true, then. The Hero was a maid fanatic, rejecting even the Holy Maiden and the Emperor’s daughters for a lowly servant girl.

Nikles shook his head, unable to comprehend such a… peculiar preference.

He bowed, then hurried to fulfill his orders.

Moments later, Angelica, escorted by Nikles, stood before Qin Chu’s bedroom door.

Her cheeks were flushed, her golden eyes shimmering with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Her heart pounded in her chest, her body thrumming with a strange, unfamiliar heat.

Summoning a maid to his bedroom at this hour… even a fool could guess his intentions.

This was part of her duty, after all. To serve her master… in every way.

She followed him into the room, her mind racing, her body trembling with anticipation. She was ready to offer him everything.

Chapter 24: A Fragment of Jie Luo’s Soul

Super-tier magic, the pinnacle of human magical power in the Heavenly Continent.

Mages had their weaknesses: their frail bodies, their lengthy casting times for higher-level spells…

But even with their shortcomings, everyone acknowledged their destructive potential.

A high-level mage could wipe out entire squads with a single spell.

Super-tier magic, capable of obliterating entire towns, was the ultimate expression of magical might.

But mastering such power was incredibly difficult.

The incantations for Super-tier spells were closely guarded secrets, passed down through generations of mages, their value exceeding even the most precious of artifacts.

Even those with exceptional talent, without the right connections, the right lineage, would never gain access to these coveted spells.

The number of Super-tier spells known to the Heavenly Continent was minuscule.

The royal family possessed three. The Holy See and the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess, five. The Thirteen Sages, two. And Athena, the Great Mage of the Hero Squad, had inherited one from her master.

These numbers alone highlighted the rarity and value of Super-tier magic.

These spells were rarely shared, their knowledge jealously guarded. Candice, without the right background, the right connections, had no hope of learning one, unless she managed to create her own.

And the difficulty of creating a Super-tier spell…

She had never imagined that Horus would bestow such a gift upon her. Not only the incantation, but also detailed instructions on its execution, the subtle nuances of its power, the potential dangers of its misuse.

Super-tier magic was a force to be reckoned with, its power capable of both creation and destruction.

Candice gasped, her vision blurring, her mind struggling to comprehend the magnitude of his gift.

“This… This is for me?” she asked, her voice trembling with a mixture of awe and disbelief.

“Of course,” Qin Chu replied, his tone nonchalant, as if bestowing Super-tier spells was an everyday occurrence. He shamelessly blamed his earlier lapse in control on her, capitalizing on her self-recrimination. “I did, after all, drain some of your magic.”

“Compensation is in order.”

“Besides, I, Horus, reward those who serve me well. Consider this a token of my appreciation.”

“But be warned, Candice,” he added, his voice taking on a more serious tone. “Attempting to cast Meteor Shower of Heavenly Fire with your current level of power would be suicide.”

“However, studying it, understanding its intricacies, will greatly benefit your magical development.”

Candice hung on his every word, committing his advice to memory. This was wisdom from a true master, a gift beyond measure.

The great Horus, she thought, her admiration growing. He truly was an extraordinary being.

The value of this spell far outweighed the minuscule amount of magic he had drained from her. In fact, she wouldn’t mind if he took a little more, if it meant receiving more of his… guidance.

Her initial fear had transformed into a profound respect, bordering on reverence.

Years of servitude to the Demons had brought her nothing but insults and abuse. But with Horus, she felt valued, respected.

Overwhelmed by emotion, she knelt before him, bowing her head.

“Thank you, Lord Horus,” she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. “I pledge my unwavering loyalty to you. I will never betray you.”

Her vow, however, failed to impress Qin Chu. He had heard similar promises before, their sincerity as fleeting as the morning mist.

He had saved their world, saved countless lives.

They had showered him with gratitude, pledged their eternal loyalty.

And then they had betrayed him.

He didn’t need her loyalty. He needed a tool, a weapon to be wielded against his enemies.

“Write down every Low and Intermediate level spell you know,” he commanded, his voice regaining its usual coldness.

Low and Intermediate level spells?

What did he need those for?

Surely, someone who could casually bestow Super-tier magic wouldn’t be interested in such… basic spells?

He couldn’t possibly be learning them himself, could he?

No, that was absurd. He must have another use for them.

“And prepare a list,” he added, his gaze fixed on her.

…

After receiving the requested information, Qin Chu vanished from the tavern, leaving Candice alone with the Demon’s remains.

She stared at the withered corpse, her resolve solidifying.

She had severed her ties with the Demons.

There would be consequences, a reckoning for her betrayal.

Her life would be difficult, dangerous.

But she had no regrets.

She didn’t know if Horus would truly protect her, if he saw her as anything more than a tool to be used and discarded. But she had made her choice, and she would stand by it.

…

Qin Chu landed on a lamppost, his bat form dissolving as he shifted back to his human guise.

The Phantom Demon’s mark, no longer a threat, had been erased.

With his increased magical power and a certain Dark Witch’s assistance, removing the mark had been a trivial matter.

Shaye Nigulas, as usual, perched on his shoulder, her bare legs dangling, her silver hair flowing in the wind, her crimson eyes mirroring his gaze as they surveyed the estate below.

“You gave her a Super-tier spell?” she asked, her voice laced with amusement. “How generous of you. Have you fallen for her, perhaps?”

“She’s not bad,” he admitted, his lips curving into a slight smile. “But she’s no match for you.”

Qin Chu chuckled. “I don’t trust loyalty, Shaye. Not anymore. Transactions, however, are much more reliable. If you want someone to work for you, you have to offer them something of value.”

“Besides, Meteor Shower of Heavenly Fire is the weakest of my Super-tier spells. It’s of little consequence.”

Qin Chu had a natural talent for magic. In his previous life, he had bypassed the lower levels, diving straight into the complexities of High-tier magic, his innate power more than sufficient to handle the strain.

He had mastered more Super-tier spells than were officially known to the Heavenly Continent, most of them his own creations. In battle, he rarely bothered with anything less.

Ironically, he struggled with Low and Intermediate level magic, their incantations unfamiliar, their power too… basic. Creating new spells at those levels required a level of finesse he hadn’t bothered to cultivate.

Devouring Matras had boosted his Mana, Strength, Stamina, and Agility, even increasing his level slightly.

He had requested the spell lists from Candice to expand his arsenal, to acquire a few… surprises for his former comrades, his so-called mentors.

“You could have learned those spells from me, you know,” Shaye said, her voice tinged with a hint of annoyance. “I know quite a few.”

“The Dark Witch’s spells are… a bit too… conspicuous for my current needs,” he replied, his voice carefully neutral. “I might be planning a few… unpleasantries, but I’d rather not be branded a ‘dark’ Hero.”

Shaye pouted, her cheeks puffing out.

Silence descended upon them as they observed the estate below.

The grounds, illuminated by dozens of magical lamps, were as bright as day, every shadow, every movement, clearly visible.

Armed guards, spaced every ten meters, patrolled the perimeter.

Qin Chu memorized their positions, their routines.

Several carriages, their occupants clearly nobles eager to curry favor with the Hero, had already arrived, their passengers waiting for an opportunity to present their invitations.

To them, the Hero’s ability to combat the Demons was secondary. They saw him as a source of power, a stepping stone to greater wealth and influence.

A lone figure, her emerald green hair flowing behind her, her face alight with hope, approached the estate.

Angelica.

She had safely escaped the Church, her meager belongings clutched tightly in her hands.

As he had predicted, Pope Augustus, despite Loseweisse’s hatred for the maid, wouldn’t allow her to be harmed, not now, not under his roof.

Of all his enemies, Augustus was the most perplexing. They had interacted more than the Emperor and the High Priestess combined, and Qin Chu sensed that the Pope wanted something from him, something beyond mere obedience, something… more.

Angelica reached the gate, her path immediately blocked by a throng of eager nobles.

They all knew she was the Hero’s personal maid, his confidante.

Invitations, their edges gilded, their contents flowery and obsequious, were thrust into her hands.

Qin Chu watched her fumble with the stack of invitations, a smile tugging at his lips.

This was good. Let Angelica handle these vultures. It would save him a lot of trouble.

“Your plan is… rather devious,” Shaye said, breaking the silence. “Using the Demons to eliminate the Hero Squad. Quite cunning.”

“You’re becoming more Demon-like by the day. I’m impressed.”

“But is Benson truly your only target?” she asked, her voice taking on a more serious tone.

She had remained silent during his conversation with Candice, but she wasn’t fooled by his act.

“Of course not,” Qin Chu replied, his smile widening. “Benson deserves to die, but his Ability… that’s the real prize.”

“False Absolute Defense.”

“If the opportunity arises, I’d like to add it to my collection.”

“Is that all?” Shaye asked, her gaze fixed on him.

“If I recall correctly, Benson’s route will take him through…”

“The Storm Witch’s territory.”

“Where…”

“A fragment of Jie Luo’s soul resides.”

 

 

Chapter 23: Super-Tier Magic, Meteor Shower of Heavenly Fire

The terrifying force pulling at her magic, draining her strength, filled Candice with a primal terror. Her face paled, her body trembling as she watched Qin Chu, knowing he was the source of this unsettling power.

“Lord Horus!” she cried out, her voice a desperate plea.

She didn’t dare pull away, to break free from his grasp. Would she even be able to escape his control? And what if her resistance angered him?

In her mind, fueled by her assumptions about his power, Horus was an insurmountable being, capable of crushing her with a flick of his wrist.

She could only plead for mercy, hoping he would spare her.

Her cry startled Qin Chu, pulling him out of his power-drunk reverie.

He mentally cursed, releasing his hold on Devourer.

Candice gasped, her lungs burning, her face pale and slick with sweat. She was terrified, her body still trembling from the shock.

Matras, the once formidable Yin-Yang Demon, lay on the floor, reduced to a withered husk.

Its eyes and mouth were sunken, its skin stretched tautly over its bones, all traces of its former power devoured by Qin Chu.

Without the magical energy that had bound them together, the two halves of its body separated with a sickening crack, revealing the hollow cavity within.

Its internal organs were gone, replaced by a mass of tangled, grayish-black tendrils, resembling a clump of matted hair.

The Yin-Yang Demon’s true form, a grotesque parody of life, with a bulbous, octopus-like head from which sprouted countless thin, worm-like appendages.

Imagine the horsehair worm, but longer, thicker, and far more numerous, writhing and pulsating in a tangled mass.

Though he had encountered this creature before, Qin Chu still felt a wave of revulsion.

It was truly disgusting.

He had heard rumors that these creatures, when fried with flour, were surprisingly palatable.

He had never been tempted to try.

The Yin-Yang Demon used these hair-like appendages to control its host bodies, piercing their brains, their limbs, their very essence.

In a way, they were more parasites than Demons.

Once their host bodies were destroyed, their true forms, weak and vulnerable, were easily dispatched. Even a child could crush them.

Unable to bear the sight of its writhing form any longer, Qin Chu stomped on its head, crushing it with a sickening crunch.

A spray of viscous fluid splattered across the floor.

A faint, high-pitched squealing filled the air as the worm-like appendages twitched and spasmed.

Even after its death, they would continue to writhe for hours before finally succumbing.

“Disgusting creatures, aren’t they, Miss Candice?” Qin Chu asked, his voice light and conversational.

Candice’s lips trembled, her cheeks flushing. She knew he had drained some of her power, a subtle warning, a demonstration of his control.

The greatest fear, she realized, was the fear of the unknown.

And that was precisely how she felt about Horus.

He stood before her, seemingly ordinary, yet his power, the depths of his knowledge, were unfathomable.

She hadn’t killed Matras outright, choosing instead to subdue it, to offer it to Horus, hoping to witness his methods, to gain a better understanding of his abilities.

She had never doubted his strength, but she had been curious about its nature, its limits.

And now, having witnessed him drain a Demon of its life force, leaving behind a withered husk, she was even more intrigued.

His power was unlike anything she had ever encountered.

But instead of clarifying things, it had only deepened the mystery surrounding him.

An overwhelming urge to unravel his secrets, to understand him, to delve into the depths of his being, consumed her.

But he had already drained some of her magic, a subtle reminder of his dominance.

He had seen through her, she realized. Her curiosity, her desire to probe, had been met with a swift and unmistakable punishment.

She pushed down the urge to question him further, her survival instinct overriding her curiosity.

“Yes,” she replied, forcing a smile. “Quite disgusting.”

“I apologize for… accidentally draining some of your magic,” Qin Chu said, his voice laced with feigned regret.

Devourer was a powerful Ability, its effects intoxicating. The sensation of absorbing another being’s essence, of growing stronger with each stolen drop of power, was addictive. Even he, with his iron will, had been momentarily lost in the thrill of it all, his control slipping as he continued to drain Matras, inadvertently siphoning some of Candice’s magic as well.

Thankfully, she hadn’t retaliated in her panic. His carefully constructed facade would have crumbled.

Candice, her fear receding, relaxed slightly. “It was my fault, Lord Horus,” she said quickly. “I was careless.”

Qin Chu blinked, confused. He had been the one who lost control, hadn’t he?

But he wasn’t one to look a gift horse in the mouth.

“While that might be true,” he said, his voice taking on a magnanimous tone, “I did drain your magic. I should… compensate you.”

“Fetch me some paper.”

Candice, her fear replaced by a newfound sense of purpose, her loyalty solidifying, hurried to comply.

Qin Chu sat at the bar, his brow furrowed in thought. He picked up the quill pen, his hand moving swiftly across the paper.

He filled four pages with intricate symbols and diagrams.

He blew on the ink, then handed the pages to Candice.

She took them hesitantly, her eyes widening as she scanned the first page.

Her hand, her entire body, trembled. Her breath hitched in her throat, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

Her lavender hair swayed as her body shook, her cheeks flushed with a feverish heat.

Tears welled up in her amethyst eyes, her expression a mixture of awe and disbelief.

He had written something… incredible.

“S-Super-tier magic,” she stammered, her voice barely audible.

“Meteor Shower of Heavenly Fire…”

“This is… for me?”